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Spain lies between France and Morocco and is surrounded by the sun-drenched Mediterranean Sea on one side and the lively Atlantic Ocean on the other. A country of contrasts, Spain offers both cosmopolitan meccas and tiny, ancient villages. Thanks to this contrast, Spain’s 50 million yearly visitors have many budget options for travel in Spain.

When to Go

May and October have mild weather, fewer crowds and off-peak prices. Spanish summers get very hot, with Madrid, Seville and Cordoba getting the hottest. In August, tourists from across Europe migrate to the coast of Spain, making it very crowded. The Spanish coast reaches a balmy 60 degrees F in the winter, with off-peak rates in effect.

Getting Around

Spain’s national railway, Spanish State Railways (RENFE), offers discounted passes when purchased in advance from Rail Europe (see Resources). The Eurail Spain Pass offers unlimited travel on RENFE for three to 10 days of travel within a two-month period. Bus services are cheap and extensive throughout Spain, but long-haul buses don’t save a lot of money and can be uncomfortable, so book bus trips for short excursions and the train for longer ones. Renting a car offers the greatest flexibility, especially if you are splitting the cost with other travelers. Foreigners are required to have an international driving permit, which can be purchased from local auto clubs.

Considerations

If you are not a resident of the European Union, you can get a tax refund on purchases worth more than 90 euro by filling out a form at the time of purchase. Don’t over-tip when eating out: Restaurants include a service charge. It's OK to leave a euro or two. Many churches and cathedrals require you to cover up as much skin as possible -- no bare-chested men allowed. The official language is Castilian Spanish; English is spoken in most tourist areas, but you should buy a phrase book before going.

Discounts

Save money by staying off the main track, visiting the less-touristy areas, and going during off-peak times. The American Automobile Association card saves money on hotels, airlines and many tourist attractions. Present your International Youth Hostel Federation card to save on bus and train fare, car rental, currency exchange and tours. Full-time teachers, students and people under 26 get discounts with the International Student Identification Card. The Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons offers senior citizens discounts on hotels, car rentals and airlines.

What to See

Purchase the Madrid card for discount entry into more than 40 of Madrid’s museums, including the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, the Reina Sofia Museum and the hop-on/hop-off tourist bus. The Barcelona City Card gives free entry and discounts to many tourist attractions, including the Barcelona Aquarium, the IMAX and the airport train. Seville and Granada also offer city cards. Be sure to watch a bullfighting show in Seville and see the 13th-century Alhambra in Granada. Travel to the Costa del Sol to experience Spain’s powdery-sand beaches.